Container closure system having a cap removable with less than a 45 degree twist

ABSTRACT

A simple structure for a container closure system that allows for ease in closure and removal of a cap from the container is disclosed. The container closure comprises a cap having a skirt of substantially rectangular cross-section. Disposed in a central location on each of the internal surfaces of the skirt are rim-engaging members that are substantially coplanar. The container has a neck portion terminating in an outer peripheral rim surrounding an oval-shaped opening in one end of the container through which the container contents may be dispensed. Cap-engaging portions on the outer portion of the peripheral rim engage with the rim-engaging members disposed on the skirt internal surface when the cap is in a closed position over the container opening. The rim-engaging members of the present invention can be in the form of small ridges or grooves and can engage with cap-engaging portions formed by small ribs. Alternatively, when in the form of small ridges, rim-engaging members can engage with cap-engaging portions in the form of a small edge extending around the outer portion of the peripheral rim. The cap may be placed into a closed position on the container by aligning the edge of the skirt with a similarly configured edge of the container body and “snapping” the rim-engaging members on the skirt into an engaged relationship with the cap-engaging portions on the peripheral rim. When the cap is in a closed position, the container, its contents, and the cap can be lifted solely by gripping the cap. By twisting the cap slightly with respect to a vertical axis of the container, the rim-engaging members and the cap-engaging portions are disengaged, thereby releasing the cap to an open position so that it may be removed from the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a container closure systemhaving a simple structure that facilitates closure and removal of a capon a container. More specifically, the present invention is directed toa closure mechanism for containers having a neck portion onto which acap is “pressed” or “snapped” to a closed position over an opening inthe top of the container. These types of containers and caps are used tostore a multitude of products, and are especially prevalent in thepackaging of a wide variety of over-the-counter pharmaceuticals.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Several types of “press-on” or “snap-on” container closures arepresently used for the packaging of products. A common feature of thesetypes of container closures is that the cap and the container neck haveengaging cams, ribs or threads which allow the cap to be “snapped” or“pressed” onto the container to a closed position over an opening in thetop of the container.

[0005] The removal of the cap in these types of container closuresoccurs in a variety of ways. A common way to remove a cap of thisconstruction is to push or pull a grooved cap back off of the engagingrim of a container. This cap structure and means of removal are commonlyemployed in the construction of container closures for aspirin bottles.Another means for removing the cap involves pushing on the sides of thecap to deform the shape of the cap slightly so that ribs or cams on thecap disengage from those on the container, thus releasing the cap fromthe container. Another commonly employed means for removing the capinvolves twisting the cap about a vertical axis with respect to thecontainer to release engaged ribs or threads. Generally, these twist-offsystems require the user to push the cap downward while twisting todisengage the threads or ribs on the cap from those on the container. Insystems that do not require the cap to be pushed downward during thetwisting motion, the shape of the container neck relative to the capoften requires that a relatively large twisting force be applied beforethe engaged cams, ribs, or threads will disengage to release the capfrom the container.

[0006] Each of these means for removing the cap from the containerrequires the user to apply a relatively large force to overcome theengaged relationship of the cams, ribs, or threads on the cap andcontainer or to apply a dual set of forces, such as in the combinedpush-and-twist removal system. Consequently, such container closuresoften pose difficulties for persons with little hand strength, such asthose suffering from arthritis.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide a“snap-on” container closure that is easier to open than previouscontainer closures. The proposed container closure of the invention issimple in use and construction and alleviates some of the adversecharacteristics of present container closure systems that are complex ordifficult to open, especially for those suffering from arthritis and thelike, as discussed above.

[0008] It is a further object of the invention to provide a containerclosure that accomplishes the goals set forth above while additionallybeing of simple construction that allows for ease in manufacture.

[0009] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be setforth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious fromthe description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theobjects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained bymeans of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed outin the appended claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The advantages and purpose of the invention will be set forth inpart in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious fromthe description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theadvantages and purpose of the invention will be realized and attained bymeans of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in theappended claims.

[0011] To attain the advantages and in accordance with the purpose ofthe invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the inventionis a container closure system. Such a container has a generallyoval-shaped opening in one end with the opening having a major axis, aminor axis, and an outer peripheral rim. A cap has a top wall and askirt depending from the top wall. The skirt has an inner surface ofsubstantially rectangular cross-section, and defines an interior surfaceof the cap. The interior surface includes a plurality of rim-engagingmembers. The peripheral outer rim includes cap-engaging portions at themajor and minor axes of the rim. The rim-engaging members have theirlongitudinal axis parallel to the rim. The rim and the plurality ofrim-engaging members are in an engaged relationship when the cap is in aclosed position over the opening in the container, and the rim and therim-engaging members are in a disengaged relationship when the cap istwisted less than 45° with respect to the vertical axis of the containerto release the cap from the container.

[0012] It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following detailed description are exemplary andexplanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in andconstitute a part of this specification, illustrate one embodiment ofthe invention and together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention. In the drawings,

[0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the container body and cap of onepreferred embodiment of the invention;

[0015]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container body of a secondpreferred embodiment of the invention;

[0016]FIG. 3 is a bottom view of one embodiment of the cap;

[0017]FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the cap of FIG. 3 taken through line44;

[0018]FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a second embodiment of the cap; and

[0019]FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the cap of FIG. 5 taken through line6-6.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0020] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferredembodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in FIGS.1-6. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0021] In accordance with the present invention, a container closuresystem of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-6. In theembodiments shown, container closure system 1 comprises two principalcomponents, a cap 2 and a container 3.

[0022] In accordance with the invention, the cap of the containerclosure system has a top wall and a skirt depending from the top wallthat engages with the container of the closure system. In theillustrated embodiments, cap 2 comprises a top wall 15 and a skirt 4depending from top wall 15. Skirt 4 of cap 2 terminates at its lower endin a substantially rectangular edge 11. Skirt 4 also has an innersurface 5, as clearly shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. Inner surface 5 definesthe interior surface of cap 2. In a horizontal plane, inner surface 5 ofskirt 4 is substantially rectangular in cross-section. Inner surface 5may comprise four inner surface portions 5 a-5 d, each forming,substantially, the legs of a rectangle when viewed in cross-section. Ina preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner surface portions thatform the longer legs of the rectangle, for example inner surfaceportions 5 a and 5 c, slightly curve or bow inward toward theirrespective centers. FIGS. 5 and 6 show a cap 20 having a constructionsubstantially similar to cap 2 except for alterations to the innersurface portions to be described shortly.

[0023] In accordance with the invention, a first plurality ofrim-engaging members are provided on the interior surface of the cap forsecuring the cap into place on the container. According to oneembodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4,disposed on the interior surface of cap 2 is a plurality of relativelysmall ridges 6. As most clearly illustrated in FIG. 4, ridges 6 protrudeslightly from the respective inner surface portions 5 a-5 d on whichthey are disposed toward a center region enclosed by skirt 4. In apreferred form of the invention, there are four ridges, with each of thefour ridges disposed substantially near the center of each inner surfaceportion 5 a-5 d of skirt 4. Ridges 6 are generally coplanar and aredisposed along inner surface 5 in a substantially horizontal plane.Ridges 6 preferably have respective lengths of approximately one-sixthto one-tenth the length of the inner surface portion on which they aredisposed. Preferably, ridges 6 disposed on longer inner surface portions5 a and 5 c have longer lengths than those disposed on shorter innersurface portions 5 b and 5 d. In the embodiment of the invention shownin FIGS. 3 and 4, ridges 6 that are disposed on opposing inner surfaceportions, for example inner surface portions 5 a and 5 c, are equal inlength, thereby facilitating manufacture of cap 2.

[0024]FIGS. 5 and 6 show a second embodiment of a cap 20 according tothe present invention. As already mentioned, cap 20 has the same generalfeatures with respect to skirt 4, top wall 15, and terminating edge 11as discussed with reference to cap 2. Inner surface 27 forming theinterior surface of cap 20 also is substantially similar to innersurface 5 of cap 2, with the exception of the form of the rim-engagingmembers disposed thereon. That is, cap 20 includes rim-engaging membersin the form of relatively small grooves 26. Grooves 26, as most clearlyillustrated in FIG. 6, create slight indentations at their respectivelocations on inner surface portions 27 a-27 d. As with ridges 6,preferably four grooves 26 are disposed substantially near the center ofeach of the inner surface portions 27 a-27 d and in generally the samesubstantially horizontal plane. Grooves 26 preferably have the samerespective lengths, relative to each other and to the inner surfaceportions on which they are disposed, as described above with referenceto ridges 6.

[0025] In accordance with the present invention, the container closuresystem further includes a container having a generally oval-shapedopening in one end of the container. The opening has a major axis, aminor axis, and an outer peripheral rim adapted to engage the cap of thecontainer closure system. The outer peripheral rim includes cap-engagingportions at the major and minor axes. As illustrated in the embodimentsshown in FIGS. 1 and 2, container closure system 1 includes container 3comprising an oval-shaped opening 7 through which products held bycontainer 3 are dispensed. Oval-shaped opening 7 is surrounded byperipheral rim 8.

[0026] In a first embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG.1, cap-engaging portions are formed on peripheral rim 8 by a small lipor edge 16 that extends around outer peripheral rim 8. These portions ofedge 16 are configured to engage with ridges 6 on cap 2 when cap 2 is ina closed position.

[0027] In a second illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 2, cap-engagingportions include a plurality of small ribs 9 disposed on outerperipheral rim 8 in positions that correspond to and engage with eitherridges 6 on cap 2 or grooves 26 on cap 20 when either of these caps isin a closed position over opening 7. Specifically, it is contemplated todispose ribs 9 at opposite axes of opening 7 and peripheral rim 8.Preferably, ribs 9 are uniform in length and approximately equal to thelonger of the lengths of ridges 6, or grooves 26, and have theirlongitudinal axes parallel to peripheral rim 8.

[0028] According to both of the respective embodiments shown in FIGS. 1and 2, container 3 further includes main container body 10 and neck 12.Neck 12 extends from a top end of container 3 and terminates in outerperipheral rim 8 surrounding oval-shaped opening 7. A sloped surface 13connects main container body 10 to the bottom end of neck 12. In theform of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, main container body 10 hasa substantially rectangular cross-section in a horizontal plane ofintersection and its top peripheral edge 14, from which sloped surface13 extends, preferably has dimensions equal to edge 11 of skirt 4.Additionally, neck 12 preferably has an oval cross-section in ahorizontal plane of intersection.

[0029] According to the invention, the rim of the container and theplurality of rim-engaging members are in an engaged relationship whenthe cap is in a closed position over the opening in the container. Asthe cap is twisted less than approximately 4520 with respect to thevertical axis of the container, the rim and the rim-engaging membersdisengage to release the cap from the container.

[0030] In use, the embodiments of the container closure system 1illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 operate in the following manner. Cap 2 issecured to a closed position over opening 7 of container 3 bysubstantially aligning terminating edge 11 of skirt 4 with topperipheral edge 14 of main container body 10 and pressing downward,thereby “snapping” or “pressing” ridges 6 past either ribs 9 or edge 16.In this closed position, ridges 6 are in an engaged position with eitheredge 16, as shown in FIG. 1, or ribs 9, as shown in FIG. 2. While in theengaged position, ridges 6 are disposed below either edge 16 or ribs 9,respectively. Thus, in the closed position, ridges 6 and edge 16, orridges 6 and ribs 9, will remain in an engaged relationship to maintaincap 2 in its closed position while cap 2, container 3 and its contentsare lifted solely by virtue of gripping cap 2. While in this engagedrelationship, ridges 6 and edge 16, or ridges 6 and ribs 9, are capableof withstanding a force equal to at least the weight of container 3 plusproducts contained therein. Preferably, when ridges 6 and edge 16, orridges 6 and ribs 9, are in an engaged relationship, they should becapable of withstanding a force greater than the weight of container 3plus its contents, such that cap 2 is not easily pulled off of container3.

[0031] From its closed position, cap 2 can be manipulated to an openposition by simply twisting cap 2 about a vertical axis relative tocontainer 3. In the preferred embodiments, cap 2 need only be twistedless than 45°, preferably between approximately 5 to 20°, relative tocontainer 3 to release cap 2 from container 3. As shown in FIG. 1,ridges 6 slide with respect to edge 16 and, due to the relativegeometric configuration between the interior surface of cap 2 andperipheral rim 8, disengage from edge 16. In particular, the geometricrelationship between the ridges disposed on shorter inner surfaceportions 5 b and 5 d and edge 16 assist in facilitating disengagement.Thus, cap 2 is released from container 3. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 2, by twisting cap 2, ridges 6 slide with respect to ribs 9,thereby disengaging from ribs 9 to release cap 2 from its closedposition on container 3 so that it may be removed.

[0032] The engaging and disengaging of cap 20 occurs in generally thesame manner as cap 2. Cap 20, however, is especially suitable for use inconjunction with the form of container 3 shown in FIG. 2. Thus, as withcap 2, to securely close container 3 requires substantially aligningterminating edge 11 of skirt 4 with top peripheral edge 14 of maincontainer body 10 and pressing downward, thereby “snapping” or“pressing” ribs 9 into grooves 26. In this closed position, grooves 26are in an engaged position with ribs 9. While in the engaged position,grooves 26 essentially receive ribs 9 such that the peripheral surfaceof inner portions 27 a-27 d, respectively, that define grooves 26substantially contact the outer surface defining ribs 9. Thus, in theclosed position, grooves 26 and ribs 9 will remain in an engagedrelationship to maintain cap 20 in its closed position while cap 20,container 3 and its contents are lifted solely by virtue of gripping cap20. While in this engaged relationship, the contact between grooves 26and ribs 9 can withstand a force equal to at least the weight ofcontainer 3 plus products contained therein. Preferably, when grooves 26and ribs 9 are in an engaged relationship, they should be capable ofwithstanding a force greater than the weight of container 3 plus itscontents, such that cap 2 is not easily pulled off of container 3.

[0033] From its closed position, as with cap 2, cap 20 can bemanipulated to an open position by simply twisting cap 20 about avertical axis relative to container 3. In the preferred embodiments, cap20 need only be twisted less than 45°, preferably between approximately5 to 20°, relative to container 3 to release cap 20 from container 3. Asshown in FIG. 2, by twisting cap 20, ribs 9 and grooves 26 slide withrespect to one another, thereby disengaging from each other to releasecap 20 from its closed position on container so that it may be removed.

[0034] Generally facilitating the removal of either of caps 2 or 20 fromcontainer 3 is the relative geometry between oval-shaped opening 7 andouter peripheral rim 8 and the substantially rectangular cross-sectionalconfiguration of skirt 4. The major axis diameter of peripheral rim 8should have a length such that after cap 2 (or cap 20) is twistedslightly about the vertical axis, the outer portion of oval-shapedperipheral rim contacts longer inner surface portions 5 a and 5 c (or 27a and 27 c) of skirt 4 to substantially prevent any further twisting ofcap 2 (or cap 20). Any further twisting of cap 2 (or cap 20) that occursafter the outer portion of peripheral rim 8 comes into contact with theinner surface portions causes skirt 4 to ride up along neck 12, therebylifting cap 2 (or cap 20) away from container 3. The relativegeometrical configurations between peripheral rim 8 and skirt 4 shouldbe such that cap 2 (or cap 20) need only be twisted less than 45°, andpreferably between approximately 5 to 20°, to disengage ridges 6 (orgrooves 26) from cap-engaging portions on rim 8 and cause the outerportion of peripheral rim 8 to contact inner surface portions 5 a and 5c (or 27 a and 27 c).

[0035] A further aspect according to an embodiment of the presentinvention that facilitates removal of cap 2 (or cap 20) is slopedsurface 13. Upon twisting cap 2 (or cap 20), edge 11 of skirt 4 travelsalong sloped surface 13 tending to cause edge 11 to smoothly lift in adirection away from top peripheral edge 14 of container main body 10 ascap 2 (or cap 20) is manipulated to its open position.

[0036] According to the embodiments of the present invention, thevarious parts of container closure system 1 preferably are made ofmaterials having relatively low coefficients of friction in order topermit smooth and non-damaging motions between the structural parts, forexample, the engaging and disengaging of rim-engaging members andcap-engaging portions, the riding of inner surface 5 or 27 alongperipheral rim 8 and neck 12, and the sliding between edge 11 and slopedsurface 13, that are necessary for the operation of container closuresystem 1. A thermoplastic polymer represents one example of a materialthat would permit these types of motions without resulting in damage tothe various parts, but the use of other materials is envisioned as welland considered to be within the scope of this invention.

[0037] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromconsideration of the specification and practice of the inventiondisclosed herein that various modifications and variations can be madein the container closure system of the present invention. An example ofsuch a modification would be a change in the relative geometricalconfigurations of the cross-sections of skirt 4 and peripheral rim 8 andopening 7 in such a manner so as to continue to effect the advantages ofthe container closure set forth herein. Furthermore, although theembodiments of the invention shown in the Figures include fourrim-engaging members disposed on the cap, a different number ofrim-engaging members may be utilized and is considered within the scopeof the invention. Similarly, the number of ribs disposed on the outerperipheral rim may vary accordingly.

[0038] Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited tothe specific details and illustrative examples shown and described inthe specification. It is intended that departures may be made from suchdetails without departing from the true spirit or scope of the generalinventive concept as defined by the following claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A container closure system comprising: acontainer having a generally oval-shaped opening in one end thereof,said opening having a major axis, a minor axis, and an outer peripheralrim, a cap having a top wall and a skirt depending from said top wall,said skirt having an inner surface of substantially rectangularcross-section, said skirt defining an interior surface of said cap, saidinterior surface including a plurality of rim-engaging members; saidouter peripheral rim including cap-engaging portions at the major andminor axes of said outer peripheral rim, said first plurality ofrim-engaging members having their longitudinal axis parallel to saidrim; said rim and said plurality of rim-engaging members being in anengaged relationship when said cap is in a closed position over theopening in the container, and wherein said rim and said plurality ofrim-engaging members will be in a disengaged relationship when said capis twisted less than 45° with respect to the vertical axis of saidcontainer, thereby releasing said cap from said container.
 2. Thecontainer closure system of claim 1 wherein said rim-engaging memberscomprise four ridges on said interior surface of said cap, said ridgesbeing located opposite the major and minor axes of said opening in saidcap when said container is closed.
 3. The container closure system ofclaim 1 wherein said rim-engaging members comprise four grooves in saidinterior surface of said cap, said grooves being located opposite themajor and minor axes of said opening in said cap, said grooves beingdisposed to engage portions of said rim at the major and minor axes ofsaid opening when said container is closed.
 4. The container closuresystem of claim 1 wherein said cap-engaging portions comprise four ribslocated on the major and minor axes of said outer peripheral rim of saidopening.
 5. A container closure system comprising: a container having agenerally oval-shaped opening in one end thereof, said opening having amajor axis, a minor axis, and an outer peripheral rim, a cap having atop wall and a skirt depending from said top wall, said skirt having aninner surface of substantially rectangular cross-section, said skirtdefining an interior surface of said cap, said interior surface havingfour separate ridges; said peripheral outer rim including cap-engagingportions at the major and minor axes of said outer peripheral rim, saidridges having their longitudinal axis parallel to said rim; said rim andsaid ridges being in an engaged relationship when said cap is in aclosed position over the opening in the container, and wherein said rimand said ridges will be in a disengaged relationship when said cap istwisted less than 45° with respect to the vertical axis of saidcontainer, thereby releasing said cap from said container.
 6. Thecontainer closure system of claim 5 wherein said rim includes ribsdisposed on said rim at opposite axes of said opening and its peripheralrim, said ribs having their longitudinal axis parallel to said rim. 7.The container closure system of claim 5, wherein, when said cap is inthe closed position, said ridges are positioned below said cap-engagingportions.
 8. The container closure system of claim 7, wherein saidridges are coplanar and said cap-engaging portions are coplanar.
 9. Thecontainer closure system of claim 7 wherein said cap-engaging memberscomprise a plurality of ribs disposed on said rim.
 10. The containerclosure system of claim 5, wherein said ridges have respective lengthsof approximately one-sixth to one-tenth of the inner surface portionlength on which said plurality of ridges are respectively disposed, andsaid cap-engaging portions have substantially uniform respective lengthsapproximately equal to the longer of the respective lengths of saidridges.
 11. The container closure system of claim 5, wherein said ridgesare disposed approximately at the center of respective portions of saidinner surface, said respective inner surface portions combining to formsaid interior surface of said cap.
 12. The container closure system ofclaim 5, wherein said container and said cap consist essentially of athermoplastic polymer.
 13. The container closure system of claim 5,wherein said cap is twisted with respect to a vertical axis of said capand container.
 14. The container closure system of claim 5, wherein saidcontainer comprises a main body portion and a neck portion attached toan upper end of the main body portion, the neck portion terminating toform the peripheral rim.
 15. The container closure system of claim 14,further comprising a sloped surface connecting the neck portion to themain body portion.
 16. The container closure system of claim 15, whereinupon twisting the cap to the open position, an edge of the skirtcontacts the sloped surface causing the cap to move in a direction awayfrom the container main body.
 17. The container closure system of claim16, wherein the main body has a substantially rectangular cross-sectionin a horizontal plane and the neck portion has a substantially ovalcross-section in a horizontal plane.
 18. The container closure system ofclaim 5, wherein said cap is twisted with respect to said container tono more than approximately 5-20 degrees to release said cap from saidcontainer.